LeBron James hypes up the crowd at the NBA All-Star Game, on Feb. 16 2020. James has been against the league hosting an All-Star Game this season. Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/Getty Images.
If you’ve watched professional sports for long enough, you know leagues respond to social movements, well, differently. One might act more progressive, another more pragmatic — with some occasional lying in the middle.
Some leagues — like the NFL — have a troubled history, exemplified when Roger Goodell embraces his annual boos from fans during the NFL Draft.
On the other hand, some leagues have had mutual respect between their organization and its players.